6 Weeks

Your Baby in Week 6 of Pregnancy

You might be coping with full-blown pregnancy symptoms (sorry), but there's plenty of good news too. Your baby's jaw, cheeks, chin, eyes, ears, and nose are beginning to form what will eventually become one adorable face. In addition, her kidneys, liver, and lungs are developing, and her heart is now beating 80 times a minute (and getting faster every day). All this and she's still no bigger than the length of a nail head (about a quarter of an inch) from crown to rump!


Your Body in Week 6 of Pregnancy

Your body may not yet have changed on the outside, but there's a lot happening on the inside. For one thing, the pregnancy hormone hCG is causing an increase of blood flow to your pelvic area, and your kidneys are becoming more efficient at ridding your body of waste; add to that the fact that your growing uterus is beginning to push down on your bladder and you've got a perfect (pee) storm. What else is going on in there? Bloating, queasiness, and cravings (or food aversions).


So far so good.  I haven't had any increasingly bad symptoms and I still feel the same for the most part, thank goodness.  I have noticed that most of my jeans are REALLY tight on me now.  It doesn't help that I used to wear them fitted to begin with but now I have no wiggle room whatsoever.  I'm basically living in stretchy leggings and sweatpants until I start shopping for actual maternity clothes.  Leo and I went to see Dr. R today and he says everything is going well.  He also told us that my official due date is December 19th and we are really excited that our baby will be spending his/her 1st Christmas with us this year!

Singleton

Well, I'll start by admitting I was a teeny bit disappointed when Dr. R said there was only one sac in the ultrasound, but I'm gonna focus on the positive... I've got a little growing baby in me!!  My hubby and I were so anxious all week knowing that today we would see our little one again for the first time since my transfer.  I actually sprung out of bed the moment my nyan cat alarm tune sounded, which is rare for me, and got ready ASAP.  We got to the office at exactly 7:30 am but actually held off for a few minutes because the Z100 phone tap started playing.  (The phone taps are basically phone pranks that listeners request the radio personalities play on others to make them really angry; they record the calls and play them on the air so everyone can hear how crazy people react.)  As excited as we were, we could not miss that radio bit.  It was so hilarious, it took my mind off of all the craziness going on in my mind.  When we got upstairs, we waited for about a half hour for Dr. R to see us and he said everything looks good and that it's still too early for a <3 beat, but that he could see a small flutter in the yolk sac.  He took measurements of everything, gave us a photo to take home, and since we had no more questions, we said goodbye and he left the room.  When the Doc left, Leo and I took a private moment to celebrate the good news and stare at the growing little one in the picture.  We are so happy that our baby is doing well and that we have nothing to worry about.  It gives me such peace of mind.  I'll finish off by including our baby's second picture ever, enjoy!

Our baby is in the small black circle in the middle of the pic :-)

Prenatal Vitamins

I've been taking prenatal vitamins since the beginning of my pregnancy now and I didn't really understand the importance of it until I started doing some research.  One little pill really packs a punch.  It contains a large variety of vitamins and minerals that basically provide everything necessary for a mommy to be and her growing baby.  Although, your body is supposed to get all its nutrition from the foods you eat, when you're pregnant the baby absorbs a lot of nutrients from you and in turn, you end up tired and feeling weaker.  The prenatal vitamins give moms the boost they need to keep both of them healthy.  My doc prescribed me Vitafol-One and luckily it hasn't caused any bad side effects which could include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.  Here's some more specific information on the importance of prenatal vitamins for all those future mommies.

"Folic acid can reduce your risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord, called the ‘neural tube.’ A baby with spina bifida, the most common neural tube defect, is born with a spine that is not closed. The exposed nerves are damaged, leaving the child with varying degrees of paralysis, incontinence, and sometimes mental retardation.

Neural tube defects develop in the first 28 days after conception, before many women realise they are pregnant. Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, the Department of Health recommends that you take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day while you are trying to conceive, and should continue taking this dose for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. . A woman who has had a prior child with a neural tube defect should discuss the appropriate dose of folic acid with her doctor before her next pregnancy. Studies have shown that taking a larger dose (up to 4,000 micrograms) at least one month before and during the first trimester may be beneficial.

There are natural sources of folic acid: green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits. It is also found in many fortified breakfast cereals and some vitamin supplements.

Calcium during pregnancy can prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density, as the foetus uses the mineral for bone growth.

Iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen.

While a daily vitamin supplement is no substitute for a healthy diet, most women need supplements to make sure they get adequate levels of these minerals."
Source: Yahoo

5 Weeks

Appleseed

Your Baby in Week 5 of Pregnancy

Your baby now resembles a teeny tadpole (complete with a tiny tail) and is about the size of an orange seed. The circulatory (or blood) system, along with the heart, is the first part of that tiny body to be functional; and as your baby's heart starts to form, you may even be able to see it beating on an early ultrasound. Another part of your little tadpole that is under construction: the neural tube, which will eventually become your baby's brain and spinal cord.


Your Body in Week 5 of Pregnancy

Your body's had all the early pregnancy signs — the missed period, nausea, tender breasts, and fatigue. And now you've got proof as your pee works its magic on that test strip — yup, you're officially preggers! This news will probably elicit a combo platter of emotions ranging from sheer joy to sheer terror as the reality that you're going to be a mom sets in. Mood swings are totally normal (kind of like PMS on overdrive) and you'd better get used to them since they'll be hanging around for the next nine months or so.
Source: What to expect

Ok, so now I know for sure that women get weird cravings when they're pregnant.  The other day I would not be satisfied unless I had tuna with tomatoes, corn, and mayo!  It probably sounds disgusting to most people, but I needed it so much that my mouth was watering at the thought of it, lol.  In addition to the weird cravings, I've also felt like going to the potty much more often than usual.  My bladder just isn't what it used to be, especially in the mornings.  I feel like I have to run to the bathroom as soon as I wake up, if I don't already get woken up for having to go.  Aside from the nausea I felt 2 Saturdays ago, I only felt sick once more yesterday afternoon, but eating saltines and ginger ale helped curb the queasy feelings.

My 29th Birthday

Last Monday, was my birthday but since I knew I was going to be working, I'd decided to celebrate on the weekend.  With all the baby stuff going on, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do but I knew I just wanted to keep it low key and relaxing.  Looking back on it, I wish I'd taken Monday off but I was kinda trying to save my vacation days for any special upcoming baby related events.  I'm also going to be taking the first week of May off for our anniversarys so I'll get to relax then.

Our chef

We kicked off the the birthday festivities on Saturday by making dinner plans to visit Mt. Fuji, which is a local hibachi restaurant.  Even though I was really looking forward to going, at around 2 pm I started feeling very queasy.  I'm guessing this was my first bout with "morning" sickness which I don't mind too much because I totally expected it but the timing couldn't be any worse.  We had already invited 12 members of our family to attend and I didn't want to let anyone down at the last minute.  Somehow I managed to get ready and even though we lost our reservation because we were late, we still had a great time.  I found that ginger ale really helps with the tummy aches.

The next day, Leo and I met up with my 2 besties at the Melting Pot for dinner.  It was an interesting experience but if I could go back in time, I'd definitely choose another restaurant.  Their only saving grace was the dessert... sooo yummy!  I love catching up with these guys because regardless of what we have going on, we can always pick up wherever we left off.  One of them is planning a huge wedding set for next year (where I will be his best "man"), the other one just got a new car and was looking into moving to a bigger place with her hubby, and of course there's me who's pregnant.  Although we're all pretty much the same age, we're at such different stages of our lives right now.  I think that's why we mesh so well,  we are uniquely independent yet very similar in lots of ways.  It's hard to explain but if you knew us you'd understand.

Lastly, on the actual day of my birthday, my hubby and I just went to my mom's house after work and ordered take out from a local Peruvian restaurant, El Chevere.  Nice quiet dinner at mom's and then we went home to rest.

Onions (before)

Onion volcano (after)

I <3 rice

Dinner is served!

Yes, this is MY baby inspired birthday cake;
Giselle is my middle name, lol. 

My bro & I

The growing family!

4 Weeks

Poppy seed

Your Baby in Week 4 of Pregnancy

No bigger than a poppy seed, the ball of cells that will develop into your baby has completed its journey from your fallopian tube to your uterus. Once settled in its new home, it will undergo the great divide — splitting into two groups. Half will become your baby (or embryo), while the other half forms the placenta, your baby's lifeline until delivery. The multilayered embryo then begins to grow into specialized parts of your baby's body. The inner layer, known as the endoderm, will develop into your baby's digestive system, liver, and lungs. The middle layer, called the mesoderm, will soon be your baby's heart, sex organs, bones, kidneys, and muscles. The outer layer, or ectoderm, will eventually form your baby's nervous system, hair, skin, and eyes.


Your Body in Week 4 of Pregnancy

While the tiny ball of cells that is your baby begins to undergo its magical transformation into a multilayered embryo, your body is going through a magical transformation of its own — from a reliable buddy to a weird and wacky science experiment. You may start exhibiting early pregnancy symptoms like bloating, cramping, and mood swings that feel similar to premenstrual symptoms. You might also experience implantation bleeding , a common (and harmless) light pink, red, or brown spotting that can occur when the egg settles into your uterus.You might feel a little pressure in your abdomen (nothing to worry about!) and your breasts may feel a little tender and become even bigger (but get ready for more growth spurts!).
Source: What to Expect

Amazing!  So far, I definitely felt the cramping and bloating, but luckily no bleeding.  Even though it says it's normal, it would've freaked me out.  Best of all, I still haven't experienced any morning sickness, yay!  My boobs got fuller and Leo's definitely noticing, lol.  They feel sensitive to movement especially when I don't wear a bra around the house.  

Show and Tell

I know it's still really early to go telling the world about this pregnancy but we've already told our close friends and family since they already knew we were going through the IVF procedures.  Immediately after telling my hubby, Leo, I told my mom, of course.  It was a quick phone conversation because I was at work, but she was so happy I could hear her about to cry.  I knew I was going to her house later on that day because she's been giving my progesterone shots so I kept it short.  As soon as she saw me that evening, her eyes teared up and she started crying.  She said she was so happy for us and to take care of myself so that the baby would be healthy and strong.  That's the mom gene that's always looking out for me like I'm still her baby, but I know I always will be.  She couldn't stop hugging and kissing me and I have to admit I almost started crying too.  She loves me so much and I am really excited to give her her 1st grandchild!  My younger brother was there too and he was really excited to hear the good news about him being an uncle.

Next, we went to my in-laws house since our parents live minutes away from each other.  We saw my mother in law, who literally started dancing in the street when we told her about the pregnancy.  She was thrilled with with the news and told us about her newest art pieces she'd been painting recently since we told her about doing the procedures.  The pieces are really great and I'm looking forward to having some in our house.  In addition to one of the new paintings she made, I really want to have the watercolor of Leo as a baby.  I think it would look perfect in the baby's nursery!

The next day, I was meeting with 3 of my girlfriends who I haven't seen in a long time.  We all used to work together two years ago and luckily we still keep in touch.  They were all really supportive when I'd told them about starting IVF and especially when I kept chickening out, lol.  I'd only told one of them about going through the procedure but she still didn't know I'd gotten the results.  The news got out quick; within minutes of my arrival!  They'd gotten to the restaurant before me and were already drinking margaritas so when I ordered a Sprite, one of them asked "What are you, pregnant?"  To this I simply stated, "Yes."  I think it took a second to sink in and then came all the hugs and excited cheers.  They were really excited, especially when I showed them the picture and they saw 2 little ones.  Now they can't wait to see if I'm having twins and want to meet up at least once a month so they can see my belly grow... love these girls!

Funny & I hope so!

PREGNANT!!!

Yes, it's true... I'm officially PREGNANT!!  I'm so excited to have such positive results on our first try with IVF.  I went for blood work in the morning yesterday and waited anxiously until I got a call back at around noon.  I was busy working with a client so my manager let me know Jen had called.  The staff at Dr. R's office go for an hour lunch at 12 pm so I had to wait until after 1 pm to call back.  I called at exactly 1:05 pm and spoke to Carmen.  She was the one who told me the great news!  I was really surprised, in a happy way... not that I was doubtful, but you just never know with these things.  She gave me instructions to stay on the Progesterone and Estradiol but to also pick up some Pre-natal vitamins from my pharmacy.  After I was done speaking with her, I called my husband immediately and said, "Congratulations Daddy, I'm pregnant!"  He was elated and said that he couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day.  It's so nice to know that everything worked out so far because I was getting a little bit worried.  Lately I'd been feeling some slight cramping and I thought I might be getting my dot.  Turns out that the crampy feeling is just the embryo(s) implanting itself, lol.

Side note:  I'd begun the Progesterone and Estradiol on Monday and here's some more info on the meds.

"Women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures, such as in vitro fertilization or IVF, usually need progesterone supplementation after the eggs (oocytes) are removed during an oocyte retrieval procedure. Women need more progesterone supplementation after retrieval procedures, secondary to the medications used in an IVF cycle, which may decrease proper progesterone formation as well as due to the retrieval process itself, which can deplete progesterone producing cells."

Source: American Fertility Association

My tiny Estradiol pills, 3x a day

"Estrogen supplementation during an IVF cycle is now commonly used by many infertility specialists. One of the major hormones of pregnancy, estrogen helps maintain the endometrial lining of the uterus. While some early studies have shown that patients taking both progesterone and estrogen supplements during an IVF cycle after the egg retrieval have higher clinical pregnancy rates, newer studies seem to dispute this. However, as more research is still needed to study this, some Reproductive Endocrinologists (REs) prescribe estrogen supplements to help support the growth of the endometrium.  Estrace, or estradiol, is the form of estrogen most commonly prescribed."
Source: About.com

TRANSFER!!

Last Tuesday was the day I finally got to take home 2 of my little ones.  My mom and hubby accompanied me to the hospital at 6:30 am, although I was up at 4:30 am cleaning the house like a madwoman.  I was just so excited to go and had to keep busy until it was time.  I had a nice long shower and before I knew it, I was actually running a little behind schedule. My mom got to my house and I was still in a towel!  I picked up the pace and was out the door in 15 minutes.

When we got there, I filed out some more paperwork and the nurses took me in to get changed.  They then took some blood and led me to the OR table where I got strapped in for the procedure.  Dr. R came in and began explaining the process step by step as he worked and then we were done!  It all happened so fast that I couldn't believe it was over.  I think it hit me as the nurses were removing my straps because all of a sudden, I burst into tears.  My OR nurse brought me some tissue, wiped my tears, and told me to smile because it was a happy day.  She was right but I couldn't help myself.  I don't know if it was all the hormones or just me or a combination of the two, but I was feeling so emotional at that moment.  After a couple of minutes, Dr. R came back with a picture of my little ones and reassured me that everything looks well and that now all I had to do is rest.  It's so amazing what he's done and even though I always said I just wanted one baby, as I lay there with their picture in my hands, I secretly hoped both would make it.  I stayed lying down for 20 minutes before leaving to go home and the next three days were pretty boring.  It was nice to rest but I'd actually caught a cold the day before the transfer and was sneezing, coughing, and sniffling the whole time.  So much for relaxing but at least I was home with my hubby and our little ones.

Our 2 littles